Discover the Best Dive Sites in the Maldives
The Maldives is a diver’s paradise, a thriving hub of marine life, vibrant corals, and sunken shipwrecks waiting to be explored. Regardless of whether you’re an experienced diver or just starting your underwater adventures, Nova Maldives is perfectly positioned to offer access to some of the most breathtaking dive sites in the region. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, there is something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best dive sites near Nova, just a short boat ride away.
Kudhi Maa Wreck
Distance: 5 minutes from Nova
For those fascinated by shipwrecks, the Kudhi Maa Wreck is a must-visit. This sunken treasure is home to schools of lionfish, red snappers, pufferfish, and enchanting glassfish. Swim alongside whitetip reef sharks, marbled stingrays, and reef groupers while admiring the corals that have claimed the wreck as their own.
Kuda Rah Thila
Distance: 10 minutes from Nova
One of the most iconic dive sites in South Ari Atoll, Kuda Rah Thila is renowned for its vibrant coral life and bustling schools of fish. Drift through overhangs on the eastern side and archways on the western side to discover an underwater garden teeming with blue-striped snappers, eagle rays, and jackfish.
Broken Rock
Distance: 20 minutes from Nova
Prepare to be awestruck at Broken Rock, where a canyon splits a submerged pinnacle into two, creating a unique swim-through experience. Located within the channel between Dhangethi and Dhigurah, this site is a haven for marine enthusiasts. Glide alongside whitetip and grey reef sharks, turtles, moray eels, and scorpionfish, all against a backdrop of soft corals, vibrant nudibranchs, and flatworms.
Thinfushi Ethere Thila
Distance: 20 minutes from Nova
Lying in the channel between Dhangethi and Dhigurah, Thinfushi Ethere Thila boasts stunning caves lined with gorgonian corals, whip corals, and sea fans. Watch schools of blue-striped snappers swim alongside marbled groupers, Napoleon wrasse, and the occasional nurse shark.
Reethi Thila
Distance: 25 minutes from Nova
Commonly known as Five Rocks, Reethi Thila is a dazzling underwater pinnacle made up of five small rocks, each adorned with magnificent corals and alive with tropical fish. Explore its twists and turns to uncover a vibrant world of sea fans, whip corals, and anemones. This site is home to an array of marine life, including fusiliers, jackfish, barracudas, oriental sweetlips, and even whitetip and grey reef sharks.
Noo Giri
Distance: 25 minutes from Nova
Starting at just three metres deep and sloping down to 30 metres, Noo Giri offers incredible marine biodiversity. Explore caves and tunnels lined with black coral trees, where bannerfish, butterflyfish, and hawksbill turtles thrive. Dive deeper to encounter moray eels, lionfish, and even whitetip and grey reef sharks. This site is perfect for divers who love discovering hidden nooks brimming with life.
Madivaru Rangali – Manta Point
Distance: 60 minutes from Nova
A true highlight for any diver, Madivaru Rangali (Manta Point) is a manta ray cleaning station where you can witness these gentle giants up close. Situated in the Rangali south channel, this site is also home to whitetip, silvertip, and grey reef sharks, alongside turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and whale sharks. The sloping reef and coral blooms make this an awe-inspiring dive.
Discover the underwater wonders around Nova and create stories worth sharing by contacting us at [email protected] or +960 66 88 777. And don’t forget to subscribe to our Soulful Tales newsletter to enjoy 20% off your next stay—because there’s nothing like experiencing the magic beneath the waves at Nova.
